Kolkata, Oct 16 India U-15 head coach Bibiano Fernandes wants his young wards to develop a strong footballing foundation, tactical flexibility and good character as they prepare for the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 22 to 31.
India have been placed in Group K alongside Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada, Laos and Senegal, with the Blue Colts set to begin their campaign against Laos on October 24 at the Hovsan Competition Complex.
Fernandes said the team had made encouraging progress during preparations, with an emphasis on improving their understanding of the game and developing the physical and mental attributes required to compete at the international level.
“We want the players to establish a clear idea of the way we are going to play both in and out of possession. Our objective is to develop a team that is brave in possession, aggressive in defending, disciplined,” Fernandes told the AIFF.
The coach also stressed the importance of adapting to different opponents and match situations while maintaining the team’s core playing principles.
“For us, the most important thing is to have a clear idea of the way we are going to play, but also the tactical flexibility to adapt to different opponents and match situations,” he said.
Fernandes believes that youth development extends beyond tactics and performances, with the right environment allowing players to express themselves, make decisions and learn from their mistakes.
Emphasising the importance of character alongside footballing ability, he said, “First and foremost, focus on becoming a good human being, because character is just as important as talent.”
India will begin their campaign against Laos at 11.45 am IST on October 24, before taking on the other teams in the group.
(PTI News)
